Prime Minister Mark Carney told U.S. President Donald Trump that Chinese-made electric vehicles account for less than three percent of the Canadian market [1].
The exchange occurred on a hot mic during the lead-up to the G7 meetings in France on Tuesday. The comment highlights the ongoing diplomatic and economic tension regarding the influx of Chinese automotive technology into North American markets.
Carney was overheard speaking to Trump about the specific market share of these vehicles in Canada [1]. He said, "Less than 3 per cent of our market" [1].
The remark comes as G7 leaders gather in France to discuss global trade, security, and economic stability. The automotive sector has become a focal point for trade disputes, particularly concerning subsidies, and the competitive edge of Chinese manufacturers in the green energy transition.
While the brief exchange was not part of a formal press briefing, the recording captures the Prime Minister providing data to the U.S. president regarding the scale of Chinese EV penetration [1]. The discussion underscores the role of data-driven diplomacy in shaping trade barriers or agreements between the two allies.
Neither the Canadian nor the U.S. government has issued a formal statement regarding the hot mic incident. The G7 summit continues to address how member nations should collectively respond to the growth of Chinese industrial exports.
“"Less than 3 per cent of our market."”
This interaction suggests that Canada is attempting to frame the presence of Chinese EVs as a marginal issue to avoid aggressive trade contagion or tariffs that might be mirrored from U.S. policy. By emphasizing a low market share, Carney may be signaling that Canada's domestic market is not yet compromised by Chinese imports, potentially mitigating pressure from the U.S. to implement more restrictive trade barriers.
